Beers and bubbles will be permitted at some of Sydney’s favourite public spaces as a temporary measure to reward and thank vaccinated picnickers.
Rules restricting alcohol at sites managed by Placemaking NSW will be temporarily put on hold, while visitors to Centennial Parklands, Parramatta Park, Royal Botanic Gardens and Western Sydney Parklands can continue to drink responsibly.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the measures were taken to say thank you to vaccinated Sydneysiders.
“Vaccinated Sydneysiders have embraced the easing of restrictions and are out picnicking in record numbers across our parks and public spaces,” Mr Stokes said.
“After an incredibly tough winter, people who have followed COVID rules and received both jabs deserve to enjoy a beer or wine responsibly.
“Our rangers told us that picnickers have been following the health advice and safely distancing. We only ask that rules continue to be followed, that everyone drinks responsibly and disposes of all rubbish and enjoys our beautiful public spaces.”
Rangers will patrol parks to ensure all visitors follow physical distancing guidelines.
Drinking will be allowed during daylight hours at the following parks until Sunday 31 October, 2021:
| Ballarat Park, Darling Island | Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove |
| Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park | Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park |
| Bligh & Barney Reserve, The Rocks | Cadi Park, Pyrmont |
| Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park | Dawes Point Reserve, The Rocks |
| First Fleet Park, The Rocks | Hickson Rd Reserve, The Rocks |
| Jill Berry Lawn / ICC Lawn, Darling Harbour | MCA Lawn, The Rocks |
| Metcalfe Park, Darling Island, | Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park |
| Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour | Pyrmont Bay Park |
| Waterfront Park, Pyrmont | Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park |
People must only visit parks within their LGA or 5km of their home. For more information on COVID-19 rules, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules